Ottawa Senators Acquire Jordan Spence
In a strategic move to bolster their defensive lineup, the Ottawa Senators have secured 24-year-old defenseman Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings. The deal involves a swap of future draft picks, with Ottawa sending a third-round pick for 2025 and a sixth-round pick for 2026 to Los Angeles.
Spence’s Performance and Future Aspirations
Spence, who is originally from Australia but grew up in Japan before relocating to Prince Edward Island, had an impressive season with the Kings last year, notching four goals and accumulating a total of 28 points over 79 games. Primarily deployed on the third defensive pairing alongside teammate Jacob Moverare, he averaged nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game. However, his offensive contributions were limited during the Kings’ playoff stint, where he managed just one goal across five games, including minimal ice time in crucial matchups.
“I want a bigger role. I think I’m ready to take a step again next year to have a bigger role,”
Spence stated, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute more in critical situations. His limited ice time in key playoff games was particularly frustrating for him.
Contract Details and Team Strategy
Spence is currently under a two-year contract worth $3 million, carrying a cap hit of $1.5 million, and will be a restricted free agent in 2026. The Senators’ management, led by general manager Steve Staios, is viewing this acquisition as an essential move for depth on their right defensive side. Although their right-side defensive roster looks solid with players like Artem Zub and Nick Jensen, Jensen has been dealing with a hip injury, prompting caution for his readiness ahead of training camp.
This transaction comes as the Senators are facing limited salary cap space, currently standing at $9.25 million. With the need to sign notable players like Claude Giroux, the Senators are likely to explore various trades to strengthen their roster. Adding Spence not only solidifies their defense but potentially opens up options for power play and penalty kill situations.
Comments from Los Angeles Management
Los Angeles GM Ken Holland noted that while Spence had not requested a trade, there was a mutual understanding of his need for more playing time. He stated,
“Jordan wants to play… he wants to know that when he comes to the rink, he’s going to be in the lineup every night.”
The Kings acquired the sixth-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche, showcasing the strategic maneuvering typically employed in NHL trades.
